"Santa didn't follow the rules," said Principal Nickolas Grasso, also known as Grasso the Grinch to some on campus. "Santa needed to follow procedures at Clearwater High."

But that's all in Christmas past. On Tuesday, Grasso said he invited Barrett to wear his Santa suit to school so he could help load gifts students donated to needy bay area children. Though Barrett never got around to helping with the gifts, he got to wear his outfit until noon. After lunch, he changed into his regular clothes.

So why the change from years past?

"In the spirit of the holiday and knowing Chris, we felt it was appropriate," Grasso said.

It also may be that the Christmas spirit finally caught up with Grasso.

He received a lot of grief when he sent Santa to detention. The story was picked up by television news affiliates and broadcast across the country. Even his own son questioned his move.

"You can't lock Santa up," said Frankie Grasso, then 6.

His son was on to something. Despite detention and being pulled out of class, Santa was likely to show up in his red suit again this year. "It's just kind of fun breaking the rules," Barrett said.

But the rules are in place for a reason, Grasso said. For example, as soon as Barrett walked into his chorus class Tuesday, two of his friends sat on his lap. During a medley of holiday songs, he put his arms around two more and rocked from side to side.